Hunter stands tall at council meeting

Jasper's city council held a special meeting Monday that never should have been held.

That's not to say the issue discussed was not important. It just was better discussed in another fashion.

The meeting was called to discuss with Jasper Police Chief Todd Hunter personnel issues within his department.

Thirteen members of Hunter's department had approached first-year councilman Randy Sayers with displeasure over Hunter's running of the department.

In an area that is known for its fishing, Sayers followed suit and took their bait.

Instead of taking these issues privately to Hunter, Sayers chose to call for a special meeting of Jasper's city council to openly discuss the alleged problems.

Sayers said the unknown 13 questioned Hunter's ability to lead the department and had issues with trust and respect for the department head.

But a quick scan of the audience found only supporters of Hunter. Nowhere in the audience did you hear a dissenting word on Hunter. At no time during the 45-minute meeting did any of the anonymous 13 stand up and make their comments public.

They instead chose their pawn and hung his political future out on the line as the sole complainant against Hunter.

These anonymous 13 chose to hide in the shadows and hurl accusations. It's easy to be critical of situation when you remain anonymous. It's time to step up.

Instead of looking like a champion for the people and a council member that serves his entire district, Sayers came across like a person with an axe to grind in serving this anonymous 13.

Even fellow council members backed Hunter and his actions with the department. Councilwomen Diane Pace and Gloria Monzingo spoke out in support of Hunter.

When all was said and done, Hunter explained what he could and because of the special meeting, was forced to air out the "dirty laundry" of the police department.

Hunter said such a public forum would undermine his authority with the department. Being called to a public display would hurt his creditability within the department.

But Hunter shouldn't worry about any creditability issues.

There was one winner during Monday's meeting and that was Hunter. He stood firm and high as he defended his department. He explained all the issues and put to rest any rumors that his department is falling apart at the seams.

Hunter stood as strong Monday evening as he did during Hurricane Rita and took a stance against those who wish to hide behind a councilman instead of stepping forward themselves.

The press is all for an open door policy to discuss issues. The press also seeks that entities not hide any issues from the public. But there are some issues that should remain private, some that are done for the good of all the people.

Roses go to….

t Area football squads who will play their second scrimmage of the season Friday evening.

t Hurricane Dean, for taking a more southerly jaunt into Mexico instead of towards Texas.

t Emergency Management personnel that worked hard and long on early preparations in case Hurricane Dean decided to visit the Southeast Texas coast. That early work will save lives in the long run.